Feel the benefit

Latest estimates of the take-up of Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Jobseekers' Allowance (income-based) published by the Department of Work and Pensions revealed there was between £2.3bn and £4.5bn left unclaimed in 2000/2001.

Latest estimates of the take-up of Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Jobseekers' Allowance (income-based) published by the Department of Work and Pensions revealed there was between £2.3bn and £4.5bn left unclaimed in 2000/2001.

Official Government figures show that only half the people entitled to disability benefits actually claim them. And of those who do claim, nearly one-fifth are under-claiming.

The figures also show there is a particular under-claim of Disability Living Allowance by those aged 55 to 64, that take-up of Income Support was lowest among pensioner households and that 38pc of those who would have been entitled to Income Support were in receipt of DLA or Attendance Allowance.

Why do people not claim these benefits?

Because they do not know they may be entitled and are often too afraid or too proud to ask. Or perhaps because claiming is such a difficult process, with complicated claim forms.

Disability Advice and Information Services (DAIS) wants to ensure people are aware of the benefits available to them. We would be delighted to offer readers a free benefits check.

In the last week we have dealt with three Pension Credit awards that were incorrectly calculated, leading to pensioners being underpaid between £40 and £80 a week!

For details contact DAIS on 01257 424000 or write to them at 81A High Street, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HD.